Understanding the 11+ Process
Your Path to Success
The 11+ exam is used by grammar schools and some selective independents in the UK to assess students for Year 7 entry. It usually takes place in Year 6, with preparation often starting in Year 4 or 5. A pre-test often occurs alongside it known as the ISEB Pre-Test. This test can serve as a preliminary filtering test for 13+ entry points alongside the 13+ entrance exams which occur in Year 8.
The 11+ exams include:
- English (reading comprehension and writing)
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Different regions and schools use different formats (GL, CEM, or their own), so tailored preparation is key.
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Explaining the Entrance Exam Process
Below is some useful vocabulary to help you on your way
- ISEB Pre-test: An online, adaptive test covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. It’s used by many independent schools for 11+ and 13+ admissions.
- Common Entrance (CE) 11+: A paper-based exam set by ISEB, typically taken in Year 6 as part of the 11+ admissions process. The test typically includes English, Maths, and Science.
- Common Entrance (CE) 13+: A paper-based exam set by ISEB, usually taken in Year 8 for 13+ entry. It also tests for English, Maths and Science.
- Relationship to 11+: Some schools use the ISEB Pre-test as an initial stage or filtering step in their 11+ and 13+ admissions process.
- Independent School Variations: Schools may use the ISEB Pre-test in different ways—some may use it to decide if a student will be invited for an interview, while others might use it as a preliminary assessment leading to further testing or their own entrance exams.
The 11+ exam is a significant entrance test for children looking to join independent secondary schools (also called “senior schools”) in the UK, typically at the age of 11. The process can vary depending on the school or school group, but it generally involves several key steps, and one of the most commonly used pre-tests in this process is the ISEB Pre-Test.
An overview of the entire 11+ exam process, including the ISEB Pre-Test
Overview of the 11+ Exam Process
The 11+ exam serves as a way to assess a child’s academic abilities and determine whether they are suitable for entry to a selective secondary school. Schools vary in their emphasis on their preferred subjects, and performance level, so it is important that you research each school for their specific requirements.
The process typically involves:
- Registration/Application: Parents submit an application to the school or schools they are interested in. This usually takes place during Year 5 of primary school (around age 10-11).
- ISEB Pre-Test (if applicable): Some independent schools use the ISEB Pre-Test as an early assessment of a student’s ability.
- Entrance Exam: After the ISEB Pre-Test (if used), children sit for the entrance exam, which usually occurs in Year 6 (around age 11).
- Interview: Some schools will invite children for an interview, often alongside a parent interview, to assess personality and fit for the school.
- Results and Offers: Schools typically send out offers in January, February or March of Year 6, with places confirmed for the following September.
The ISEB Pre-Test (Independent Schools Examinations Board Pre-Test)
The ISEB Pre-Test is a computer-based test used by many independent schools as an early assessment for entrance into senior schools, usually taken in Year 6. It is becoming increasingly popular as an early filter, giving schools an indication of a child’s academic potential before the main entrance exam.
What is the ISEB Pre-Test?
The ISEB Pre-Test is an online test designed by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). It is used by many schools as part of the entrance process for pupils applying to 11+ and 13+ entry. The pre-test aims to assess a child’s aptitude and ability across multiple subjects, such as:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests logic and pattern recognition in language and words.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking and pattern recognition through shapes and images.
- Mathematics: Covers basic mathematical reasoning, number patterns, and problem-solving.
- English: Evaluates reading comprehension and writing ability, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Why is the ISEB Pre-Test Used?
The ISEB Pre-Test helps schools to get an early and comprehensive snapshot of a child’s abilities. This can reduce the pressure of a one-day entrance exam by allowing schools to evaluate potential over time, rather than just a single set of results. It also gives parents and schools an idea of how the child might perform on the main entrance exam, while also providing feedback for additional preparation.
When is the ISEB Pre-Test Taken?
Typically, the ISEB Pre-Test is taken in Year 6, between October and December, although some schools may offer testing earlier in the year. The exact timing depends on the individual school’s schedule.
How Does the ISEB Pre-Test Work?
- The test is taken online, with students completing it at a registered testing center or sometimes at their current school, under supervision.
- The test is adaptive, meaning that it adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the child’s responses, ensuring a fair challenge for every student.
- Results are usually available within a few weeks and are shared with the schools to which the student has applied.
- Schools use the Pre-Test results alongside other application materials to decide whether to invite the child for an interview or offer a place.
The Main 11+ Entrance Exam
After the ISEB Pre-Test (if applicable), children typically sit for a more formal entrance exam, which may vary by school. These exams usually take place in January or February of Year 6 (around age 11) and cover:
- English: This section often includes comprehension, writing tasks, and sometimes a dictation or grammar test. Students may be asked to write essays or short stories based on a given prompt, showing their ability to express themselves clearly and correctly.
- Mathematics: This exam typically covers a wide range of topics, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving. Children may be asked to complete mental arithmetic tasks, solve word problems, or work with numbers and shapes.
- Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses a child’s ability to understand and reason with written language. Tasks may involve finding patterns, solving logic puzzles, and working with word-based problems.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: This section involves working with shapes, patterns, and visual puzzles to assess a child’s logical thinking and spatial awareness.
- Interview: Some schools also invite children for an interview, which can involve discussing academic subjects, personal interests, or hobbies. This is to assess a child’s personality, motivation, and suitability for the school. Some schools also require a parent interview.
Post-Exam Process and Results
- Offers and Rejections: After the entrance exams and interviews, schools will review all the information they’ve gathered, including the results from the ISEB Pre-Test (if applicable), exam scores, report cards, and interview performance. Offers for places are typically sent out in February or March of Year 6 but may be later according to the school.
- Accepting or Rejecting Offers: If a child is offered a place, parents will need to accept or reject the offer within a given time frame, usually in March. After acceptance, the child will join the school in September of the same year, starting Year 7.
Key Considerations for Parents
- Preparation: The 11+ exam can be quite competitive, so parents often start preparing their children well in advance, sometimes in Year 4 or 5. Preparation may include practice papers, tutoring, or familiarising their child with the types of questions that will appear on the exam.
- Choosing Schools: Many parents choose schools based on their child's academic interests, extracurricular offerings, or the school's ethos. It's important to research each school's 11+ process, as some schools place more emphasis on the ISEB Pre-Test, while others may focus more on the entrance exam or interview.
- Exam Results: Keep in mind that while academic performance is essential, each school has its own process and criteria for selecting students, including how much weight is given to the ISEB Pre-Test and whether they value interview performance or extracurricular achievements.
